Thabang Mosiako and Glenrose Xaba delivered stunning performances on Saturday to win the national half-marathon titles at the ASA Road Running Championships, which was incorporated in the annual Foskor Half-Marathon in Phalaborwa.
Competing in warm conditions on a challenging course, Mosiako was superb, coasting to a comfortable victory in the men's 21km race. He stopped the clock at 1:02:47 to reclaim the SA title he won in 2023, leading an Athletics Central North West (ACNW) sweep of the podium.
Mosiako finished well clear of the rest of the field, with Thomas Lebese of Lesotho taking second place in the open race in 1:04:00.
Reghan Magwai was third overall in 1:04:16, taking the runner-up spot in the national championships, while ultra-distance specialist Onalenna Khonkhobe earned the bronze medal, after clocking 1:04:17.
"After I won in 2023, a rough patch followed me. So, I'm happy with my comeback and I can see the way forward. I think after today I will have that confidence again," said Mosiako.
"The conditions were not bad because I've been training in Potchefstroom where it's quite hot, so I came here ready for this race."
In the women's race, Xaba earned her sixth national title over the 21km distance in the colours of Athletics Gauteng North (AGN).
She completed the race in 1:10:03, breaking the course record which was held by former world record holder Elana Meyer and finishing more than three minutes clear of Lesotho's Neheng Khatala, who was second in the open race in 1:13:28.
Cacisile Sosibo grabbed the silver medal in the national championship contest in 1:15:14 and Samantha Coetzer secured bronze in 1:22:52.
"This race is always run under hot conditions (in Phalaborwa), but it was warm today, but the conditions were not as bad as it can get here," Xaba said. "It motivated me to break Elana Meyer's record because I was inspired by her achievements and I wished one day I could break her records."
In other events at the ASA Road Running Championships, Kabelo Mulaudzi won gold for Central Gauteng Athletics in the men's 5km race in 14:00. Musawenkosi Mnisi (AGN) took second place in 14:09 and Jerry Motsau (ACNW) was third in 14:17.
In the women's 5km battle, Karabo More (AGN) triumphed in 16:37, with Zanthe Taljaard securing the silver medal for Athletics Vaal Triangle (AVT) in 16:56 and Busisiwe Chamane taking bronze in 17:19 in the colours of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA).
Over the mile (1.609km) distance, Boikanyo Motlhamme (CGA) charged to victory in 4:02 and Tshegofatso Pilane (AGN) earned silver in 4:03. Ryan Mphahlele (CGA), who also clocked 4:03, finished third.
Carmie Prinsloo (AGN) won the women's mile in 4:41, with Ntsoaki Molahloe (KZNA) taking second position in 4:46 and Andrea Steynberg (ACNW) hanging on for bronze in 4:50.